“We were sitting waiting for it, and when it came on, we were crying, jumping and screaming.”

No, that’s not a description of my last few Fridays spent watching Stuart Clark’s interviews on Virgin Media’s Uprising, they’re the words of country-pop sensation Laura Byrna. Popping by Hot Press HQ whilst in the country getting in touch with her Irish roots, she’s discussing her reaction upon seeing her face on the iconic neon facades of New York City.

Growing up a “cashew” (her affectionate label for being Jewish/Catholic), in what she describes as a “one horse town” in Maryland, Bryna has come far since charging her parents 50c to watch her perform home concerts as a child.

“We thought we were really great,” she laughs. “I was the lead singer, and my sisters were my back-up dancers. We were singing the Shirelles, Frankie Valli and Elvis. I would never have dreamt of a billboard in Times Square.”

Carving out a career for herself with an unapologetically dynamic sound, she’s also been unafraid to ruffle a few feathers.

“You’ve got traditionalists, but things are always evolving, and no one really listens to one genre anymore,” says Bryna of her modern songwriting. “I’ve got the blues and I’ve got the rock in there too. I love sassy. I love edge. I love in-your-face, a little F-you.”

This mindset has been vital in traversing landscapes where women like Bryna are often up against it.

“I’m proud to be a female, to take on the challenge of getting our music out there in a male dominated world,” she says. “Being in the spotlight, you get a lot of crap. I get comments like, ‘Why does she have to sound like that?’ and ‘Why can’t she be nice and demure?’

“In life, we have to be authentic. Because people know when you’re not. It also takes a lot of effort to be fake. Who the fuck wants to do that?”

Speaking of empowering women in the country scene, some have drawn parallels between Bryna and The Queen of Nashville herself – even dubbing her the ‘Brunette Dolly Parton’.

“Now, my tits are real. I will have to say that,” she quips. “Honestly, it’s a huge compliment to be compared to a massive icon. If I could have half the career she’s had, then I’m doing okay. She’s a seriously talented entertainer, but she also has a heart of gold. She helps those less fortunate and knows where she came from.”

Bryna’s authenticity similarly extends beyond the stage – evident in her unwavering work with charities such as Musicians On Call and Homes For Our Troops – a non-profit that provides specially adapted custom homes for injured US veterans.

“I love what those men and women do for my country to allow us to live in freedom,” she professes. “I went to a VA hospital in Nashville to sing for the patients. Every audience is amazing, but they were incredible. I always say, if you touch one person, then you’ve done your job as an artist. To be there with a wounded soldier and they’re singing my song back, it makes me emotional.”

This philanthropic streak was rooted in her upbringing, Bryna informs.

“Each Christmas my parents would find a student in our class who was less fortunate. We would secretly find out everything about them and buy or make gifts, which we would then leave on their porch and run off. They never found out it was us. To me, that’s what it’s all about. I believe in giving back.”

Laura also staunchly believes in being a 24/7 learner. She’s rubbed shoulders with some industry titans in Nashville, sharing the stage with Taylor Swift, as well as working alongside esteemed Grammy-winning writers like Damon Sharpe.

What does the signer take from being constantly surrounded by Music City’s endless swathes of talent?

“I’ve learned so much by watching each artist create that magic over and over again, night after night,” Bryna reveals. “It’s like they’ve never performed before, they give every audience member that magic moment – whether they’re in the nosebleeds or at the front. When you’re true to who you are, you have a fan for life.”